Hidden No More: Celebrating the Impact of Mary Jackson in Space Exploration

Mary Jackson's story is about grit, brilliance, and breaking down barriers. Mary was born in Hampton, Virginia, in 1921, and faced numerous challenges as she grew up. Her interest in science and math, however, has been strong since she was very young.

Mary aspired to be an engineer after she graduated from high school. However, in the 1940s, there were few opportunities for African American women like her in her chosen field. But Mary was not someone to give up easily.

She followed a similar path to Dorothy Vaughan and encountered similar challenges (read our previous blog post to find out more about Dorothy Vaughan). Mary joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), later known as NASA, and worked under Dorothy Vaughan in the West Area Computing Section in 1951. She began as a "computer," performing complex calculations manually to assist with important projects. Despite facing discrimination based on her race and gender, Mary's talent and dedication piqued the interest of her supervisors.

(NASA)

Her big break came when she was offered a place to work as an engineer under Kazimierz Czarnecki in the 4-foot by 4-foot Supersonic Pressure Tunnel. But there was a catch: she had to take additional classes at an all-white school. Undeterred, Mary enrolled in night classes at a segregated school and fought for the right to attend classes alongside white students. Her determination paid off, and in 1958, Mary became NASA's first African American female engineer.   

As an engineer, Mary made significant contributions to NASA's space programs. She conducted groundbreaking research on airflow and aerodynamics, helping to improve spacecraft design and performance. Her work was instrumental in the success of many missions, including the Apollo program.

(NASA)

But Mary's impact extended beyond her technical achievements. She was a fierce advocate for diversity and equality in the workplace, using her voice to push for change. Mary's courage and leadership paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in STEM fields.

Mary's story gained wider recognition with the release of the book and movie "Hidden Figures," which highlighted the contributions of Mary and her colleagues (Dorothy Vaughan and Katherine Goble Johnson). Despite facing many obstacles, Mary never lost sight of her dreams and created a path for others to follow.

(Bluegrass Institute)

Today, we celebrate Mary Jackson for her groundbreaking work in science and engineering and her resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Her story reminds us that we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams with passion, perseverance, and willingness to challenge the status quo.

Mary Jackson's legacy lives on as an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and strive for excellence. As we honour her achievements, let us also commit to continuing her work of promoting diversity, inclusion, and equality in STEM fields. Mary's story is a powerful reminder that when we come together and support one another, there's no limit to what we can achieve.

Written by Krishna Shankar Mathur, head content creator at Beyond Our World.